Traditional braces are not the only way you can align your smile! If you seek a more discreet way to straighten your teeth and perfect the look of your smile, our dentist can provide you with Invisalign® clear aligners in Hillsborough, North Carolina. To learn how you can get started, we welcome you to contact Providence Smiles today at 919-732-8179 and ask for an appointment with Dr. Kwame Gyampo.
What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?
The Invisalign treatment is an orthodontic alternative to traditional braces that straightens your smile using a series of custom-made plastic aligners. Popular with teens and professional adults looking for discreet ways to straighten their smiles, this treatment is virtually invisible and requires few changes in your daily routine. Invisalign can be used to address most of the same alignment issues treated by metal braces, including:
- Overcrowding
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Common bite problems, such as overbite, open bite, underbite or crossbite
How Does Invisalign Work?
The treatment begins with our team taking an impression of your smile that we will use to plan your treatment and create a series of computer-generated aligners designed to gradually shift your smile into its proper alignment. Unlike the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces, these aligners are made of a thin, clear plastic, making them hardly noticeable to peers.
Depending on your treatment, you will likely receive a new set of aligners every two weeks, and you will need to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day to stay on track and achieve the best possible results. You will also meet with our dentist on a regular basis to evaluate your progress and make any needed adjustments. Since the Invisalign aligners are removable, you never have to worry about your orthodontic treatment interfering in your ability to eat, brush or floss.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign?
Clear aligners are popular because of the following benefits:
- They are nearly invisible.
- They are removable for easy brushing, flossing and eating.
- They do not require any metal in your mouth.
- They are custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth.
Am I a Candidate for Invisalign Treatment?
Anyone looking to straighten their smile is a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners. Because of their discretion and effectiveness, clear aligners are particularly popular with teens and adults, but Invisalign First also provides early Phase One treatment for children as young as 7 years old.
Are Clear Aligners Painful?
No. There is a period of adjustment for the first few days you wear your aligners that may be temporarily uncomfortable, but this will fade as your treatment progresses.
How Do I Care for My Aligners?
While Invisalign offers a specific clear aligner cleaning system, there are several ways to take care of your aligners. Gently brushing your aligners and rinsing them in lukewarm water will keep them clear and intact. Avoid hot water, as this may warp the clear plastic. Do not chew gum, smoke or eat while wearing your aligners, as this can damage the appliances.
What Do I Do if an Aligner Breaks?
If your aligner breaks, cracks or is warp, let our team know as soon as possible. Our dentist will either order you a replacement set or recommend you wear an aligner from your next set.
Can I Still Use Invisalign Aligners if I Have Had Other Dental Work?
Yes. Some patients who have had past orthodontic treatment notice their teeth shift back out of alignment over time, and they be interested in using aligners to realign their smiles. Invisalign clear aligners can also be worn with dental veneers or crowns. During your consultation, our dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for Invisalign treatment.
How Much Does Invisalign Treatment Cost?
The cost of Invisalign clear aligners can be compared to traditional braces, but the exact amount will depend on the complexity of your case and the number of aligners needed to treat your smile. Most dental insurances will cover clear aligners as an orthodontic treatment, and our team is happy to talk with you about your financial options.
Call or visit our office to learn more about Invisalign and plan your consultation with our dentist.
Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.